Ralph Edward Branum

Bro. Branum was born Aug. 1, 1924, in Bunston, Mo., the son of Ben and Ruth Bellamy Branum. The Army veteran was a radio operator and assistant driver of an amphibious tank involved in 15 beach invasions in the Pacific during World War II. Following his military duty, he received a master’s degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Seminary and served as a pastor for over 60 years in Washington, Florida, Alabama and Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by three wives, Coleen Shannon, Mary Hawkins and Jeri Orlicek; and two brothers and a sister.